Original recipe

Caution: This stuff goes down very easy and will bite you before you know it.

Boiled Version (Brenda T)

Equipment

Ingredients

Steps

1. Combine apple cider, apple juice, cinnamon sticks, whole clove, white sugar, and brown sugar in a large pot.
2. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for 20 minutes.
3. Remove from heat and cool completely (do not add alcohol while warm).
4. Stir the grain alcohol into the cooled mixture.
5. Pour into mason jars or bottles and refrigerate.

Notes

• Letting it sit in the refrigerator for a day or two produces much better flavor than drinking immediately.
• Pint jars make nice Christmas gifts for friends and family.
• A cinnamon stick in each jar makes a nice presentation, but remove after about a week to prevent bitterness.
• If only 151 proof Everclear is available in your state, it will still work (slightly less potent result).
• Yields approximately 8-10 pint jars.

No-Boil Version (Mamma C)

Makes nearly ½ gallon at 78-proof (very strong). See notes for diluted versions.

Ingredients

Steps

1. Place all ingredients in a clean pitcher or bucket.
2. Stir to combine.
3. Let sit overnight, covered, at room temperature.
4. Transfer to mason jars or bottles and store tightly closed in the refrigerator.

Notes

• Higher proof versions will stay good for a few years.
• Versions less than 64 proof should be consumed in 2-3 months.
• Do not heat the moonshine — it will burn off alcohol and could be dangerous. Instead, heat plain apple cider and stir in moonshine off the heat.

Proof Adjustments

For less potent versions, increase the apple juice concentrate and cinnamon:

You can also add apple cider to individual servings to dial down potency as needed.

Variations (Brenda T)

Blackberry Shine

Peach Shine

Note: Peach nectar can often be found in the Hispanic aisle if not in the regular juice section.